Shooting death in Norwich 'not random'

Norwich - The shooting death of a 31-year-old local man late Thursday on Lake Street was "not random in nature," Norwich police said.

The victim, Namdi Smart, of 33 Lake St., was found dead at the scene by emergency crews from American Ambulance.

The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide and said Smart died of a gunshot wound to the head.

There were no arrests as of late Friday.

Norwich police responded at 10:55 p.m. Thursday to the area of Smart's residence and investigated through the night. Police believe the shooting was not random, according to a news release from Lt. Stephany Bakoulis.

Mother en route from N.J.

A family member said Smart's mother, Margaret Crowell, and an aunt were traveling to the Norwich police station from Jersey City, N.J., Friday afternoon. The family member said Smart is the second-oldest of nine siblings.

According to public documents, Smart was married to Thaniyyah Hutchinson and had three children, but the couple is estranged and had protective orders against each other, according to documents.

Police released no other information about the incident, and a spokesman at the state Department of Children and Families could not comment on whether the agency was involved.

David Neary, owner of the recently renovated four-family apartment house at 33 Lake St., said he could not comment on any of his tenants.

The investigation is being conducted by Norwich police, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit and the New London County State's Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information is asked to call Norwich police at (860) 886-5561, or the anonymous tip line at (860) 886-5561 ext. 500.